Other Dorado or Fox 38/Mezzer/Zeb - triple clamp or single crown fork?

[biota]

I'm looking at a new fork for my Kenevo, and leaning towards a Dorado but can't decide.

I know I don't really need a DH fork the vast majority of the time (or ever), but it came with one and I do feel more confident in it.

A Dorado would also let me play with changing the travel, or a 29 inch wheel if I want.
And let me use the existing front wheel as it takes the same dia (20mm) spindle. I know theres some adaptors but not ideal.

On the negative:

Dorado seems to be ~1kg heavier than the 35mm boxxer (all the single crowns are about 0.5kg lighter).

Removing and refitting the front wheel for transport and storage seems a bit more hassle.
I've seen talk of regular adjustments to keep the legs aligned?

I'm also thinking I'd get the aluminium (expert) version, as I'm wary of CF. Can always upgrade the damper later.

If I went single crown it'd probably be the Fox 38. Maybe the Mezzer.

Interested in any experience or views on this?


For context I'm pretty new to MTB but did a lot of moto trials back in the day. So I don't have a big problem with weight, probably the opposite actually.
Getting down must stuff at Dyfi, almost got a tow into Oakley last time. Will do it in future, hence thinking about more forgiveness.

Cheers

 

[DylanJM]

My vote would be to wait until you see if the stock boxxer is actually working correctly before doing anything. I don't know why you written it off already.

 

[biota]

My vote would be to wait until you see if the stock boxxer is actually working correctly before doing anything. I don't know why you written it off already.

Pretty much because everyone commenting first-hand experience is not too impressed.

Also, I had an unfortunate stone jam against the stanchion and gouge it on the first ride, so there's money to spend putting that right as well.

I've even read a couple of magazine reviews on the new 38 boxer that don't sound like they've cured it completely.

 

[Paulquattro]

Fox 40 for me 3 yrs and not one bit of regret
Fit and forget so too speak this is coming from a boxxer the older version thou .
And im not a Fox fan boy as if i was going single crown it would be and is a Zeb .

 

[biota]

Fox 40 for me 3 yrs and not one bit of regret
Fit and forget so too speak this is coming from a boxxer the older version thou .
And im not a Fox fan boy as if i was going single crown it would be and is a Zeb .

So you have a Zeb as well?

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

my experience,,,,

fox38 factory etc.
mrs had one (160mm travel) on her NP Mega and wasnt happy with it over small bumps but big hits are good, I tried those forks & found the same - actually removed them from my rail after a mornings riding at Bpw and fitted something else....
I have a pair (180mm travel) on my Norco Range Vlt and they're better than the other set BUT I don't think as good as everyone says

Rs Zeb, 'ultimate' with charger3 damper.
had these on my Canyon Torque-ON in 180mm travel. harsh over smaller stuff is the easiest description - except when pushing / fast over chunk & drops then are good

Manitou Mezzer 'expert' & 'Pro'
what I fitted on my rail AFTER removing the fox38's

Manitou Dorado (pro).
I bought a pair but my mrs 'borrowed' them - I've since bought another pair but as yet have no personal experience of how they ride



quick warning re. Manitou....
theres a bit of experimenting with airspring pressures once fitted, even a few psi can alter the characteristics


and....

I have Ohlins Rfx38 (170mm travel)
bought secondhand and I wasn't impressed, had them serviced & tuned by Jtech and were vastly improved


-went back to Mezzers on the rail

Rich.

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

@biota
what part of the country are you located? if you're near Bpw I can show you a few forks & explain their intricacies

Rich.

 

[biota]

@biota
what part of the country are you located? if you're near Bpw I can show you a few forks & explain their intricacies

Rich.

I'm in mcr but just booked BPW for 18-19 April
Partly why I'm fretting is bcz I want to have it sorted by then tho

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

I'm in mcr but just booked BPW for 18-19 April
Partly why I'm fretting is bcz I want to have it sorted by then tho

might be lurking around there then.....

Rich.

 

[biota]

might be lurking around there then.....

Rich.

I'll give you a shout on here that week

 

[Ou812]

I’ve been wanting to try a custom tuned Mezzer Pro from Shockcraft, almost ordered one a few times but backed out.

 

[biota]

I’ve been wanting to try a custom tuned Mezzer Pro from Shockcraft, almost ordered one a few times but backed out.

I really want a Dorado but I'm just put off by what seems like a lot of fuss with it.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I'd probably vote for the Fox 38 in the absence on this list of the Marzocchi Bomber Super Z
Designed specifically for long-tavel bikes used in Freeride, like at Rampage.
Can be specced up to 190mm travel in 29" version or 180mm in 27.5".

38mm chassis, stiffer than the Fox 38 that shares some parts and designed to compete not just with the Zeb, but also with the range of dual crown forks that some freeriders use.
Marzocchi Bomber Super Z

 

[biota]

I really want a Dorado but I'm just put off by what seems like a lot of fuss with it.

Nah think I've taught myself out of them now.

 

[biota]

I'd probably vote for the Fox 38 in the absence on this list of the Marzocchi Bomber Super Z
Designed specifically for long-tavel bikes used in Freeride, like at Rampage.
Can be specced up to 190mm travel in 29" version or 180mm in 27.5".

38mm chassis, stiffer than the Fox 38 that shares some parts and designed to compete not just with the Zeb, but also with the ramge of dual crown forks that some freeriders use.
Marzocchi Bomber Super Z

Haven't really been looking at them as I 'd read it's basically Fox's discount brand...
Maybe I should

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

I’ve been wanting to try a custom tuned Mezzer Pro from Shockcraft, almost ordered one a few times but backed out.

I've nearly ordered their 'pick&mix' diy fit tune kit, Dougal seems to know his way around them and happy to share knowledge

Serious Bicycle Suspension | Shockcraft

also, loads of Mezzer info online, Mtbr forums is great here

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/manitou-mezzer-owners-thread-setup-tech.1177011/?post_id=15211662&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-15211662

I really want a Dorado but I'm just put off by what seems like a lot of fuss with it.

once you've found the right settings then I'd not think of it as fuss, all suspension needs setup and also regular attention / maintanance

Rich.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

Haven't really been looking at them as I 'd read it's basically Fox's discount brand...
Maybe I should

Yeah, nah.
Some do refer to them as Fox's low-end brand, but that's not strictly true.
They use Fox internals, but the stanchions are made of thicker and slightly heavier alloys and they tend to be less flexy than their Fox counterparts.
For context - I had Fox 36 Factory's on my meat-powered enduro rig and now have Marzocchi Bomber Z1's on my eBike.
The Z1's are stiffer and plusher than my 36's were.
The fact that there's a simpler damper with less adjustment means little to nothing to me as I am a "set and forget" kind of rider anyway.
But the Super Z's have the Grip X damper with all the fangdoozles on it, so that's a bit of a moot point in this case.

 

[Ou812]

I've nearly ordered their 'pick&mix' diy fit tune kit, Dougal seems to know his way around them and happy to share knowledge

Serious Bicycle Suspension | Shockcraft

also, loads of Mezzer info online, Mtbr forums is great here

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/manitou-mezzer-owners-thread-setup-tech.1177011/?post_id=15211662&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-15211662

once you've found the right settings then I'd not think of it as fuss, all suspension needs setup and also regular attention / maintanance

Rich.

Yeah, I’ve chatted with Dougal a few times on MTBR. I was figuring all the costs to get one of his forks sent over here, went back and forth but eventually just went with a smashpot kit in my 38.

 

[biota]

I've nearly ordered their 'pick&mix' diy fit tune kit, Dougal seems to know his way around them and happy to share knowledge

Serious Bicycle Suspension | Shockcraft

also, loads of Mezzer info online, Mtbr forums is great here

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/manitou-mezzer-owners-thread-setup-tech.1177011/?post_id=15211662&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-15211662

once you've found the right settings then I'd not think of it as fuss, all suspension needs setup and also regular attention / maintanance

Rich.

It's the fuss with alignment every time the wheel goes off/on that I'm questioning.
I have to take it off every time for transport.

That and the idea of them twisting and needing realigning if you stack it.

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

It's the fuss with alignment every time the wheel goes off/on that I'm questioning.
I have to take it if if every time for transport.

That and the idea of them twisting and needing realigning if you stack it.

Wheel fitting isn’t that hard and you’ll get it sussed easily after a few times, as to re-alignment after an oops - don’t crash

Actually any double or triple fork would suffer twisting in an off but that’s all depending upon how successfully you bin it


Don’t discount the Mezzer, very capable fork and can be found for a great price especially secondhand

Rich.

 

[biota]

Wheel fitting isn’t that hard and you’ll get it sussed easily after a few times, as to re-alignment after an oops - don’t crash

Actually any double or triple fork would suffer twisting in an off but that’s all depending upon how successfully you bin it


Don’t discount the Mezzer, very capable fork and can be found for a great price especially secondhand

Rich.

Thinking of a DH38 now.
Less chance of alignment issues with the fork bridge linking them together. I really like to just set and forget.

Read about people using friction paste in the clamps on the carbon Dorado. I've got visions of me over tightening the clamps and them shearing completely

 

[CarolinaCrawler]

I really want to try the Dorado Comp and eventually get the Avalanche damper with hydraulic bottom out. They are supposed to be butter and the added weight doesn't bother an ebike that much.

Manitou Dorado Open Bath Cartridge

 

[biota]

On a slight tangent...

Does anyone know if I can fit another spacer under the top clamp here to raise the effective stack height?

I've been quietly sweating that I've sized too small, but reach is 6 mm more than my M-L Slash, which felt perfect.

Stack seems to be the issue, as the stated numbers give the Slash 15 mm more. I think it had slightly more build up as well. I don't think the stem is any shorter.

Do I need different bar clamps/stem?

Don't really want to change the bars.

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

On a slight tangent...

Does anyone know if I can fit another spacer under the top clamp here to raise the effective stack height?

better to space the stem / handlebar clamp up from the top-crown (would need spacers & longer bolts x4) especially as the steerer-tube looks to have been cut short & possibly flush wth the top of the crown???

Rich.

 

[biota]

better to space the stem / handlebar clamp up from the top-crown (would need spacers & longer bolts x4) especially as the steerer-tube looks to have been cut short & possibly flush wth the top of the crown???

Rich.

Oh 5#it yea of course.

I'll see what I can do with the new fork.

From what a RockShox have said now they've got the boxer back, I think I'm going to bin it

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

Oh 5#it yea of course.

I'll see what I can do with the new fork.

From what a RockShox have said now they've got the boxer back, I think I'm going to bin it

was riding with a friend today, hes a mec in a bike shop and was saying that sram/rs had stripped a rear damper for warranty inspection, deemed it good but needing parts (as old parts had been binned) and refused to re-assemble untill the custoer paid for said parts etc (although they would return the damper in pieces without charge)

good luck

Rich.

 

[biota]

was riding with a friend today, hes a mec in a bike shop and was saying that sram/rs had stripped a rear damper for warranty inspection, deemed it good but needing parts (as old parts had been binned) and refused to re-assemble untill the custoer paid for said parts etc (although they would return the damper in pieces without charge)

good luck

Rich.

That's 100% exactly what I have from them in writing.
They say this is on grounds of safety, as would be assembling and sending back out a faulty product.
Can see what they mean I suppose, but its a lose-lose situation.

 

[biota]

That's 100% exactly what I have from them in writing.
They say this is on grounds of safety, as would be assembling and sending back out a faulty product.
Can see what they mean I suppose, but its a lose-lose situation.

 

[losgatosgtr]

I’ve got the avalanche hybrid damper in my boxxer from my 2021 Kenevo expert. Craig dialed it in nicely when he tuned it and shipped it to me. Take note that Craig tunes to your riding level so be honest about your capabilities otherwise it will be way too stiff for you. I love the fact that I can tune the sag with the air side of the Boxxer and it’s basically set it and forget it. You can make adjustments to the preload by adding or removing a spacer on the hybrid damper side and also with the oil level as well as the other two adjustment screws on the fork. Only maintenance is an oil change and seals, every once in a while, but honestly I haven’t touched it in almost 2 years of riding (maybe 150 hours or so) and it still feels and performs like day one. I don’t even have to think about the front fork anymore, which is the way I like to ride. Front fork just disappears and don’t worry about it as it always works and is very consistent and predictable. I also have his woody rear shock also custom tuned and they work well together. I would put your money towards a good tune and just get an easily attainable stanchion tube and call Craig. He may even have one you can buy. Also the Boxxer has 29er lowers as well and different offset crowns if needed. I believe avalanche makes the same hybrid damper side for Fox and other dual crown forks and you can also go hybrid damper in both stanchions also for the ultimate set up.

 

[James_C]

I’ve got the avalanche hybrid damper in my boxxer from my 2021 Kenevo expert. Craig dialed it in nicely when he tuned it and shipped it to me. Take note that Craig tunes to your riding level so be honest about your capabilities otherwise it will be way too stiff for you. I love the fact that I can tune the sag with the air side of the Boxxer and it’s basically set it and forget it. You can make adjustments to the preload by adding or removing a spacer on the hybrid damper side and also with the oil level as well as the other two adjustment screws on the fork. Only maintenance is an oil change and seals, every once in a while, but honestly I haven’t touched it in almost 2 years of riding (maybe 150 hours or so) and it still feels and performs like day one. I don’t even have to think about the front fork anymore, which is the way I like to ride. Front fork just disappears and don’t worry about it as it always works and is very consistent and predictable. I also have his woody rear shock also custom tuned and they work well together. I would put your money towards a good tune and just get an easily attainable stanchion tube and call Craig. He may even have one you can buy. Also the Boxxer has 29er lowers as well and different offset crowns if needed. I believe avalanche makes the same hybrid damper side for Fox and other dual crown forks and you can also go hybrid damper in both stanchions also for the ultimate set up.

may I ask, why did you buy this upgrade, what were you trying to fix with it?
Does this fix the using all the travel issue? how is the small bump sensitivity?

My fork seems too harsh with higher pressure, i have a lyrik on my other bike with charger 2.1 and air side upgrade, and it seems significantly better than the boxxer. I also have a standard lyrik I use whilst servicing, the upgraded fork seems significantly better small bump sensitivity. I am kind of miffed that a long travel DH fork might need money spent on it straight away. I also notice there is quite a bit of "stiction" when leaning on the fork stationary. I think I'll do a lowers service on it, although its only got about 10 hours on it. But its a 2023 fork, so perhaps its dried up or something.

rockshox trailhead lists the following upgrades for the Boxxer select FS-BXR-SEL-C2

00.4020.171.000 - damper and 00.4019.933.002. Total cost about £300

RockShox Charger2.1 RC2 Crown High Speed BoXXer 27.5/29´´ upgrade kit, Black | Bikeinn

Get RockShox Charger2.1 RC2 Crown High Speed BoXXer 27.5/29´´ in Black for 343 €. Ideal for bike with fast delivery. Buy Forks at Bikeinn!

www.tradeinn.com

RockShox DebonAir Spring Kit For BoXXer C1+ (2019+)

RockShox DebonAir Spring Kit For BoXXer C1+ (2019+) New friction-reducing DebonAir™ air spring delivers the most responsive forks in RockShox history, maintaining traction in more conditions than ever before In the box: DebonAir Assembly, sealhead Genuine RockShox spare parts MPN: 180 mm...

sportandleisure.com

The avalanche damper is about £425. Not sure what they do for the air side, if anything.

FAQ on rockshox site states that the ultimate needs new lowers to get the low friction bushings.

I'd be interested in peoples views on the 2 options.